The Stearman Model 4 was developed in 1930 from the earlier model C3 with a deeper fuselage and was fitted with a range of more powerful engines. These features enabled the Model 4 to carry heavier cargo loads, a feature much in demand at the time.

There were 7 model 4 variants made (4C / 4CM, 4D / 4DM, 4E / 4EM, 4RM) for a total of 41 aircraft. The 4DM variant was a single-seat version of the 4D with dedicated baggage / cargo hold where the forward passenger seat had been

Priced at around $16,000, the Model 4 was sold to commercial operators in the United States with only 6 of the 4D model having been constructed when production ended. Users of the type included Varney Airlines (later United Airlines), American Airways (later American Airlines) with Standard Oil Company operating three of the model 4 for product promotion.

Texaco Oil Company operated this 4D initially as Texaco 11 then later as Texaco 14 until its retirement in February, 1936. In later years it served as a crop duster as well as mosquito control for the TVA in Alabama.

The Kansas Aviation Museum completed the Stearman 4D’s restoration in early 2014.

Type:
Civil

Powerplant:
 Pratt & Whittney Wasp Jr., R-985 rate at 300 hp

Max speed:
145 m.p.h.

Ceiling:
15,000 ft.

Range:
 500 mi.

Weights:
Gross 3,800 lbs.

Weapons:
None

Dimensions:
Span 38 ft. 0 in.
Length 26 ft. 11 in.
Height 9 ft. 2 in.